Organization Name

Website

Indicator

Please select the one indicator that is most relevant to your project or organization:
Arts & Cultural Vitality

What is your idea and how will it impact your indicator?

:

My idea is to convert the existing underground tunnel walk way into a flourishing community Art walk gallery for the neighborhood of Cypress Park, Los Angeles. The Tunnel project will be the first time this innovative arts undertaking will make use of the abandoned entity and bring life into this amazing area in the north east of Los Angeles. The Arts and Cultural vitality indicator is the greatest and most innovated idea to reach our city by 2050 and beyond. The ability to reuse empty space and renovate the community essense, along with progress of such. After three years lobbying to our local officials to listen to our proposal I was given the green light to make this event happen every month on our designated art walk night.
The plan is to eventually permanently secure the closure of Loreto street, half ways in order to create an astounding cul-de-sac and a public street plaza for the 1,600 children in the area and local residents to enjoy. Our mission is to have the old underground (existing) tunnel be converted into a beautiful full blown Arts Gallery, opened to the public and exhibit local artist within.
This (event) idea is the first of its kind in Los Angeles and will also be the pilot program to convert all existing city tunnels into arts spaces in the many different communities around the city and eventually county. We are leading and paving the road for the arts in the Los Angeles and also the same road for economic development via Galleries and artsy Coffee houses and cafes.
The project is to attract artist from all walks of life and it is to bring people of all economic classes to either observe, cherish, or contribute to the working artist by acquiring their works at 100 percent commission. We believe in networking and marketing greatness, for the sole reason of progress, community and sustainability by 2050 and beyond.
In conclusion, I have spend the last 8 years of my life building, creating and a great sense of passion in my beautiful community of Cypress Park. I believe profoundly in the Arts and its vitality because I'm a product of such, I am a community Artist with a successful coffeehouse dedicated to the sustainable progress of destroying blight and enhancing the neighborhood with amazing murals and art shows. It has been wonderful to come to work and network with many others who believe in a common goal and work hard to make it a reality. Our team strives on a daily basis to make a positive impact and it shows on the faces of our local youth, they love us! Lets give them and ourselves 2050 as a gift to cherish and beyond. Thank you.

What are some of your organization’s most important achievements to date?

:

Best Coffee Roaster 2007
Best Coffeehouse 2012
Economic Development and successful business consulting.
High ratings on Yelp
Great facebook Page
Community involvement and volunteerism
A great community role model for the 1,600 school children, who attend the two LAUSD across the street from us.
And many more to come in the future.....

Please identify any partners or collaborators who will work with you on this project.

:

The non profit L A Works is going to send us roughly about 50 volunteers to renovate, clean, paint and maintain the tunnel. We will also be working with Fine Arts Solutions a for profit business known as the best high end Arts Framing and mounting company in the world. Its an actual honor to be working with them. Palm Communities has agreed to sponsor the events for the next 20 years, maybe we can convince them to add another 20 years to the deal. Attack Marketing, INC has also committed to sponsoring and getting involved with us as a community partner for this historic project. Last but certainly not least, is our local neighborhood council who have approved our beginning seed money for this event to be successful, thank you everyone!

Please explain how you will evaluate your project. How will you measure success?

:

Our evaluation of success is measured by the current response of community supporters. After the first actually event, we will be able to identify the pros and the cons. Before the end of the year, we will be able to appreciate the success of such project. But as of now, I believe the project is being successful due the buzz we have received from local city officials and the department of cultural affairs. Of course our current mission is to create a non profit in order to maximize our utility, for now we are applying as the For Profit entity.
I can only imagine, just like John Lennon and be that dreamer. I created a successful coffeehouse in the neighborhood and it has grown to be the most influential place east of the Los Angeles River. I have a dream and an aspiration that this historic project will take off and influence the rest of the city and the world. My measurement of success is an A+.

How will your project benefit Los Angeles? Please be specific.

The Cypress Village Underground Tunnel Art walk, will have amny benefits for the great city. It will be the pilot program and example on how to utilize an existing historic relic. The media exposure is arming up with confirmations of local media and some main stream media buzz. This grant will enable us to secure its success rate and to expand the concept into different parts of the city and county as well. The economic resonance will vibrate far beyond 2050, because it will allow our city to flourish in the arts above other cities. We lack green space/ parks and this project will guaranteed we create our own community park in the middle of an asphalt street, formerly used to carry cars. Our city is becoming a bike commuting society and the bike corrals installed on the stretch will allow us to promote the new lifestyle. In fact, we have already reduced crime on the corridor by eliminating blight and bringing in trendy awesome community minded businesses and people to help organize the forth coming event.

What would success look like in the year 2050 regarding your indicator?

:

Thirty seven years ago in 2013 a seed was planted in this great beautiful community of Cypress Village along the Arroyo Seco River. It was formerly known as Cypress Park and before that, the Tongva Indians inhabited the area they called home, today it is the epicenter of a sustainable Arts District in the city of Los Angeles. We would love to honor these pioneers today with an amazing collage and dedication ceremony.
Friends, everything begins with an idea, then you believe in the idea and viola....its created!

Discussion

50

Great idea! Like many others, i too crossed that tunnel as a child and would love to see this art project come to life. We need more of these ideas in our community and I trust that Yancey will make this one a success story. I also know he is not done, he is constantly thinking of creative ways to improve his community. Thank you Yancey!

by leticiay1

almost 3 years ago

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An arts tunnel would be an amazing addition to this vibrant community!

by ewarn

almost 3 years ago

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please support the Cypress Village Tunmnel Art Walk!

by antiguacoffeehouse@yahoo.com

almost 3 years ago

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I am a huge supporter of the Cyress Village Tunnel Art Walk!! Not only will it help to bring the community together but it will also help to give artist an audience they deserve an need to create future works.

by bwsowell

almost 3 years ago

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The Tunnel Art Walk in Cypress Park is an inspired idea for revitalization of a long neglected but gem of a neighborhood. The is a great opportunity for local at risk kids to showcase their artistic talents.

by adlib

almost 3 years ago

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What an extremely innovative idea, what a better way to think about the future than reclaiming unused community space for the use of and by the community. A truly sustainable and creative way of thinking about urban spaces. It's exciting to think about the community environment and dynamic exchange of ideas fostered inside of Antigua spreading out into the neighborhood and creating space.

by LuciaTorres

almost 3 years ago

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Not only will opening this tunnel be a great way to bring the local community togeather, but also help protect children and adults alike from having to cross a very busy street.

by gregperez

almost 3 years ago

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wha a way to revive a community working with your elected officials, this is how you get things done.

by arturito

almost 3 years ago

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A great coffee shop with great ideas. I have yet to meet any proprietor of any business in the area with a greater love for the community and bigger plans to revitalize the social experience of the neighborhood. Any grant toward this concept would be money much needed and well spent!

by jupiter8

almost 3 years ago

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I first met Yancey over five years ago, prior to the opening of Antigua. Yancey attended Land Use meetings of the Greater Cypress Park Neighborhood Council because he wanted to open his cafe and he wanted to improve the neighborhood. As a board member, our committee supported Yancey's efforts and I was thrilled to see his business finally open. It has had a tremendous positive effect on the community. This is a very worthwhile project in a community that is underserved by the arts, despite so many creative people living in the neighborhood. Antigua has become an important meeting place for artists, students, community activists and elected officials. This project can become a catalyst for neighborhood improvements while maintaining the historic significance of the area. Yancey has the connections and the enthusiasm to make this project possible. Thank you for your community activism Yancey.

by Daniel Marlos

almost 3 years ago

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I grew up in Cypress Park and I remember the excitement of crossing the tunnel as a little boy. As an adolescent that excitement turned into fear and loathing as violence and the drug plague swept the neighborhood. When Yancey told me about his plans to re-open the tunnel I was elated with the idea. I cannot think of a better way to spark community growth and rejuvenation. It would show that the neighborhood has moved past its dark ages and is now filled with forward thinking people like Yancey who are dedicated to the community and its continued prosperity. On a side note, Antigua Coffee is AMAZING! Im a regular and recommend it to all coffee lovers.

by lizbeth85

almost 3 years ago

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Each Monday at my LAUSD orchestra assignment in Cypress park I have either coffee and a muffin or lunch at Antigua Coffee Shop in Cypress Park on the corner of Figueroa and Loreto Street. A dreamer who knows how to schmooze, local entrepreneur Yancey creates community by welcoming us each and effecting amazing alliances among folks who never would have met were it not for this cafe. Last year coffee drinkers donated money for music books and musicians donated supplies we needed to maintain and even upgrade our orchestra instruments.

The rehabilitation of the block long street that separates Nightingale Middle School from its nearest feeder, Loreto Street Elementary, is an amazing vision for this at risk but aspiring neighborhood. It's my 6th year (or so) at Loreto, and I've enjoyed participating in the success of the this cafe and hope that the energy spreads throughout this street. The Undergound Tunnel Ary Walk Gallery needs our votes to receive funding; it has mine. But to cast your vote you must do it by the end of Wednesday, April 17. Be sure to contribute a supportive comment as that's as important as the vote itself!

by Ginny Musician

almost 3 years ago

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The Antigua Coffee house is far more than the only place in the immediate area to get good coffee. By virtue of the proprietor's friendly openness and interest in not only community but also world affairs and cultures, the Antigua is a cafe in the old tradition of a place of discourse, art and good-old relaxation.

by BBDecker

almost 3 years ago

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This is a great little area of HP and my fav coffee shop in the area... always good for the community and am sure this will be a boon. Great potential here, let's make it happen!

by bkmustbt

almost 3 years ago

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I visit Yancey almost every morning on my way to work, and grab a cup of his great tasting coffee and occasionally one of those delicious breakfast sandwiches. I know how hard he has worked to build Antigua to what it is today and I am confident that his vision of Cypress Park will come to fruition. Antigua Coffee House has always supported local artists. First by using the coffee shop as an art gallery and displaying some amazing artwork and second, by growing that movement and creating community events where a whole city block is closed to display even more ART! The tunnel project is yet another way to continue building community and supporting local artists. It is a great way to expose the local youth to art, because they would not have to travel far to see works of art that they might not be able to relate to (i.e. the Westside). On the other hand, if these youth are able to see some local, home grown art it could give them an appreciation for the Arts, which is often pushed to the side in the high-stakes-testing our education system has evolved into. I know Yancey has sacrificed a lot of time away from his family in order to build the community that Cypress Park so desperately needs and I am sure his kids are proud to look up to him and call him dad. Adelante Yancey!!!

by wilo78

almost 3 years ago

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Go Yancey!! I love this idea and can't wait to see this realized. Not only am I excited to have a new art event at my favorite coffee house, but the revitalization of Cypress Park is something I stand fully behind, and the creation fo this space and the event are a huge step in bringing a vibrant cultural scene back to the street.

by jandro.draws

almost 3 years ago

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I teach right across the street from Antigua and have witnessed first hand its growth and outreach in the community. Since the beginning the coffee house has been a proactive and positive force in Cypress Park. It has featured the art of local artists on its walls and serves as a comfortable meeting space for the residents of the community. This tunnel project is a creative way to utilize unused negative space, enhance Figueroa St, and bolster community pride.

by Mr. Elsinger - NMS Teacher

almost 3 years ago

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Grew up in Lynwood, moved to highland Park then brought my house in Mt Washington about 4 years ago. I have seen communities change for the better and for the worst. Antigua Coffee House is a GEM! I have seen the Cypress Park transformation for the last 4 years, social enterprise on business corridor a well dedicated business owner and a workable landlord. The landlord has to be given credit as well, he got himself a Proactive tenant and between both of them they have helped reshape the community. Now that's a property owner's dream tenant! The Tunnel Art Walk is a different and innovated approach to the needs of our city, its empty space, Use it or lose it! 2050 Tunnel Art Walks, why didn't I think about this, just genius!

by astrofrog3

almost 3 years ago

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I believe this project will enhance the neighborhood and bring more people to the businesses here. It will also strengthen the community feel of the area. Art is always a great way to bring people together of all cultural backgrounds.

by astrofrog3

almost 3 years ago

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I think this would really help the children in the area, and also upgrade the neighborhood.

by Maitland Sage

almost 3 years ago

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I think this would really help the children in the area, and also upgrade the neighborhood.

by Maitland Sage

almost 3 years ago

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I moved into this neighborhood about a year ago. I see Yanci about once a week when I visit his coffee shop for a bag of coffee. Almost every time the main topic of conversation revolves around the question of how to better the neighborhood. Yanci grew up around here and I can tell that he really cares about this place. He's been wanting to convert the tunnel into an art space since I first met him and I think it's a great idea. Yanci's coffee shops is really cool. His shop attracts a lot of artists and functions as a social hub for the neighborhood. When it first appeared a few yeas ago I remember thinking "what?! no way! that's exactly what we need around here!". Yanci took a risk by putting his coffee shop in neighborhood with very little else of it's kind. He's already proved that hes' the kind of pioneer that will actually take risks, follow through and be successful. Yanci's heart is in the right place, he's persistent and he will get it done!

by flyersss

almost 3 years ago

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The reopening of the Cypress Park Underground Tunnel is important for revitalizing the infrastructure of the community, for providing pedestrians with a safe passage across a major traffic street in the community, and for providing talented local artists in the community with the opportunity install murals on the walls of the tunnel.

The Cypress Tunnel provided safe passage to and from Florence Nightingale Middle School and Loreto Street Elementary School across North Figueroa St., a major traffic street in Cypress Park. Today, the Cypress Tunnel is padlocked. There are at least two consequences of not maintaining such a vital part of the community's infrastructure.

The first is the safety issue for pedestrians, mainly parents and their school children, crossing Figueroa St. The second is the vandalism and graffiti that result from such blatant neglect: The padlocked tunnel is an ugly, environmental eyesore, much like neglected broken windows and vacant, boarded-up buildings..

I live and work in Lincoln Heights, which is directly adjacent to Cypress Park. I am a regular customer at Antigua Coffee House and I have noticed a remarkable change in the neighborhood since it opened around 4 years ago. About a year after it opened, a very professional, high quality mural was installed on Antigua's south outer wall. There is something about a strong, high-profile presence of a business in a community that discourages petty vandalism and graffiti. Antigua Coffee House has provided this strong prescience. I can testify that incidences of graffiti and petty vandalism have declined remarkably in the past 2 or 3 years.

Apparently, another local merchant agrees with me. About a year ago, Flying Pigeon LA, a very high-end, exclusive bicycle shop moved their business into the space next to Antigua. Not only is their business thriving, but they regularly sponsor bicycle rides throughout the community.

A wonderful example of what could be done with the walls of the Tunnel is provided by Allesandro Elementary School which is barely two miles away from the Cypress Tunnel. Not only does the Allesandro Tunnel provide safe passage across Riverside Drive (another heavy traffic street), but the murals in the Tunnel enhance the community.

If the Cypress Village Underground Tunnel Art Walk Gallery receives a grant, the Tunnel will be a role model for other communities, just as the Allesandro Tunnel has been a role model for the Cypress Park Community

by LAindigena

almost 3 years ago

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Love this project. Reminds me of Jane Jacobs's comments about how debilitating "border vacuums" and unused spaces can be to city life. Reclaiming this in this way is awesome. And I love to see the energy of multiple projects feeding each other: the tunnels, arts, biking, river conservation, pedestrianism, rethinking transportation, and, mostly, getting people in a community to know each other better, to hang out, to grow together and serve one another. I live on North Fig near the Annandale Elem School tunnel, but I'm not sure it's used any longer, either. Be great to see this take off! Patrick

by patrick.ferry.754

about 3 years ago

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Love the positive ambition of this community project. Even better that it combines the arts and commerce in a creative and dynamic way!!!

by 3932rome

about 3 years ago

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The imagination, and creativity, that has inspired this project can be a model for everyone who refuses to succomb to the commercialization of every aspect of this society. What? they're not building a strip mall? Another "Galleria." Instead, an art space which the community can celebrate and take part in. Antigua Corree House has been a beacon and magnet for thoughtful, creative people...Of course they would be the ones to anchor this idea.

This is the kind of initiative that the Revolution will unleash in an even greater way. Let's be working toward that day... and make this a contribution to hastening that Revolutionary future. To quote another entry;... Go YancEy!!

by Revolutionary Writer

about 3 years ago

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This project is really for the children of Cypress Park, they are not as luck as other areas in Los Angeles. Antigua Coffee House has the most beautiful Mural in The Northeast and these children look at it everyday they go to school and they go home. Thank you guys for such a great production and now you want to convert the old tunnel into a gallery, you guys rock! They kids will be blessed with more art instead of the Gang Crap up in Highland Park. I support your project and hopefully you win the grant but realistically you have a ton of non profits running against you. Good Luck! and just maybe it can happen.

by Renee Davila

about 3 years ago

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After reading some of the proposals on the competition I decided to vote for Antigua Coffee House. They have a unique project and it appears to me they are do-ers, shakers and movers. I have been living in Cypress park for 40 years and honestly the last 3 years have been the most enjoyed years. This little Cafe I believe is the main reason why our community is growing and why the neighborhood is feeling safer. I can actually finally walk my dog at night, past by the coffee shop and admire the art on the walls. They dont have security bars on their windows and the mural on the outside wall never gets tagged and now the underground ground tunnel art gallery, what an excellent concept. Just imagine every unused tunnel in the city becoming some sort of art space. Hopefully they win and if not i will volunteer to help it get going, after all yancey has started something increible. On the other hand, most of the proposals i have read are Westside entries, now who are you kidding! The westside has everything and here you go with our little Cypress Park having Nothing, well at least one thing's for sure we have our families and our risk takers and believe me Antigua Coffee House is a Giant!

by lakersland

about 3 years ago

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Antigua Cultural Coffee House is a Los Angeles GEM.

by hellobucha

about 3 years ago

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http://highlandpark-ca.patch.com/articles/antigua-owner-sees-shop-as-cultural-hubI read this article on the Antigua Coffee Coffee in Cypress Park and was intrigued on such progress this business has in that community. So I decided to enter and see what they are all about and to my surprise these guys are true. they really do care about the neighborhood, what made me vote for them was the fact that they are real people making a huge difference in this town. Cypress Park does not have the commodities like the westside of our city, they don't even have a single Non Profit representing the arts. While I was there the owner was helping one of the students from the middle school across the street with some algebra, that dude is awesome. It just seems to me that he has pour his heart deeply into this little special community and his plan to convert the tunnel into a Gallery is probably a great idea. He has the will and i know he will make it happen, even if he does not will the grand prize. I can see this community pitching in funds to get it going, Cypress Park used to be a gang town and now its a great town. Thank you dude!

by ocelotl42

about 3 years ago

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http://highlandpark-ca.patch.com/articles/antigua-owner-sees-shop-as-cultural-hubI read this article on the Antigua Coffee Coffee in Cypress Park and was intrigued on such progress this business has in that community. So I decided to enter and see what they are all about and to my surprise these guys are true. they really do care about the neighborhood, what made me vote for them was the fact that they are real people making a huge difference in this town. Cypress Park does not have the commodities like the westside of our city, they don't even have a single Non Profit representing the arts. While I was there the owner was helping one of the students from the middle school across the street with some algebra, that dude is awesome. It just seems to me that he has pour his heart deeply into this little special community and his plan to convert the tunnel into a Gallery is probably a great idea. He has the will and i know he will make it happen, even if he does not will the grand prize. I can see this community pitching in funds to get it going, Cypress Park used to be a gang town and now its a great town. Thank you dude!

by ocelotl42

about 3 years ago

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This is a good thing for our neighborhood and our community. Yanci and his family take pride in their shop and the street it's on we need more people like them in our neighborhood

by Paco1975

about 3 years ago

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This project, devolped by a Cypress Park born community member and designed to help younger Cypress Park community members, gets my vote because it is for our local improvement. I have lived and still live in Cypress Park and I know that the coffeehouse has become an important community hangout. If this project can bring hope and opportunity to more Latina/o youth in our community and in the Eastside, and also help build community, then this will have been money well spend.

by kawamiux

about 3 years ago

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Great community cafe, where you can relax enjoy the weather, food,drinks and the people!!! We need the art in our community to show case how out the box we are as the city of Los Angeles. We have a lot of street art and it would be great to keep here and let our youth and look forward to a future in their own community.

by laurajay86

about 3 years ago

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I have lived a zip line's trip above Antigua Coffee House (on the other side of the junior high) for more than 7 years. In that time I have seen the neighborhood change a lot, as older generations and extended families have been replaced by landlords and younger tenants. While I know change is inevitable, I think it would be a shame for the area to lose its ties to the past in an effort to raise property values. Yancey is the best of both worlds -- able to bring high-quality business and a strong sense of history to the Figueroa corridor. His desire to complement his for-profit coffee shop with the art gallery and open space is exactly what Cypress Park needs to launch its growth along the same lines that York Boulevard in Highland Park has grown . . . but with more for the kids! The fact that this art space is adjacent to an LAUSD junior high is HUGE. Giving children that age a chance to see art made by people like them right in their neighborhood, in a funky space with a spotty past, will open up so many avenues for exploration just when their cultural values are being shaped. Through people like Yancey and projects like this, we can make sure that the LA of 2050 keeps its roots in the traditions and communities that founded and maintain the beating heart of the city, and flowers into a bright garden of opportunity for generations to come.

by skimbo321

about 3 years ago

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I have lived a zip line

by skimbo321

about 3 years ago

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I have been coming to Antigua Coffee house since its induction in El Sereno in 2005. Not only is the owner Yancey a fun and welcoming sight to see, his products are exceptional. The coffee is delicious in flavor and boldness. He roasts his own coffee! They recently started making gluten free products which are scrumptious. i enjoy stopping in either in the morning on my way to work or anytime of day. My favorite coffee shop. He also makes a "green tea latte" that is sugar free and made fresh with brewed tea bags.....not a sugar filled powder. Sandwiches are also pretty tasty. Ambience is great as well! Come visit and relax for a moment....

by sunshine12

about 3 years ago

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This proposal is a community oriented grassroots project that embodies the essence and potential of Los Angeles. The underground pedestrian walkway which runs under Figueroa St. is currently locked up and disregarded, but similar to many spaces all throughout Los Angeles, has the potential to be a local creative space for the friends, neighbors, and residents of North East Los Angeles. The monthly Tunnel Art Walk would not only utilize a space that was initially intended for the public, but also create a diverse and welcoming environment for Angelenos from all walks of life. Yancey Quinones, the owner of Antigua Coffee and creative mind behind the Tunnel Art Walk, has consistenly shown dedication and commitment to the arts and a progressive vision to revitalize a neighborhood that has long been neglected. As a native of Cypress Park, Yancey understands and acknowledges the history of Los Angeles, maintaining connections with the local community (including schools, the city council, small businesses, non-profits, etc). Everyday Antigua Coffee opens it doors, attracting a diverse group of customers, such as musicians, writers, artists, etc. as well as long term residents and locals of different ages, ethnic backgrounds, and interests to converse, share ideas and stories. This project would not only expand upon a wonderful cultural center that already exists, but also change the current landscape of Cypress Park and the overall potential for a thriving arts district in North East Los Angeles that supports diversity and community.

by adrianna.alvarezespelage

about 3 years ago

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I arrived to Los Angeles from Brazil in late 2004, I worked in the west side of Los Angeles and then moved to Mt Washington on the East Side in late 2009. That is when I ran into this nice progressive Cafe and since then have been a loyal customer. The owner is kind and a true community warrior who has deep roots in Cypress park and a solid compassionate heart. I have seen this community grow and with that said I am witness to the good work this coffeehouse is doing in this astounding neighborhood. Thank You.

by Fredericogianelli

about 3 years ago

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I remember passing by Cypress Park in my high school years. I recently saw a drastic change along the neighborhood of Antigua Coffee Shop. This project is a good way to reuse empty space and spread the artistic minds of the area and give them confidence to create and not think that only known artists are essential to the city of Los Angeles. I am looking forward to the days of art events in Cypress Park

by Bijoudbb

about 3 years ago

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This would be an excellent project to bring to fruition. The Northeast Los Angeles communities are is rich in culture and arts and we need a place to showcase all of this. The tunnels in LA have almost all been shut down due to crime but this would be the perfect project to not only create a postiive use for them but it would also create a permanent home for the artwork of our local artists. Our neighborhood could truly benefit from this.

by alana.yanez.7

about 3 years ago

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Let's expand the artistic showcase of LA artist to Cypress Park. The area around Downtown LA is screaming in art and this project will give artist the opportunity to interact with their peers. Cypress Park has been invaded by tourist lately and it will only become more and an extension of the art scene of Los Angeles. What better way to do this than take advantage of this tunnel and put it to a great use. I hope this project becomes reality.

by fabriciov

about 3 years ago

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I first visited Los Angeles about 7 years ago and I was introduced to Antigua Cultural Coffeehouse because a friend of mine was having an art show. Since then I have decided to call Cypress Park home and Antigua Coffee shop (the only coffee shop in town) home as well. I have been impressed ever since by the community involvement and the impact they have on people of all ages, and races. Funds are greatly needed to get resources that will improve Cypress Park, my new home. Keep up the good work Antigua.

by RubenV

about 3 years ago

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I remember as a young kid walking down this neighborhood when all you found were gang bangers hanging around and drug paraphernalia laying in the streets and particularly in the tunnel. All I can say is that we have come a long way, but there is still a lot more work to do. The plans to improve this neighborhood are about time. Now, is the time to create this change that will live on forever in the minds of youth who walk to Loreto Elementary or to Nightingale Jr. High. Youth who will find inspiration in the arts instead of gangs. It is exciting to learn that there is a possibility that Cypress Park will become a leader of change and this is exactly what makes one take ownership of communities and you will see that with this seed planted others will follow.

by Berni

about 3 years ago

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After years and years of neglect, it became obvious that local individuals would have to take up ownership in the business corridor and improve our own community. In 2007 I signed the lease and began the Coffeehouse endeavor, bumps on the road from Building and Safety and the county health department. After, 2 years we were finally able to open its doors to the community and this lovely neighborhood of Cypress Park took us in with a warm welcoming. Soon, people began to install planters and help sweep the sidewalk, then a local non profit (LA Works.org) commission a mural and the Espresso Revolution was on its way. Antigua Coffee House is NOT a fantasy its a true Reality of this Town and everyday it grows in a sustainable melting pot. Thank You Community for believing in Us and thank you for this Great Marketing Opportunity, "all eyes on us". We already Won your hearts and just maybe this little giant will overcome all its obstacles and prove to the world that Community For Profits are as cool as Neighborhood Non-Profits when we work together!
The Espresso Revolution Salutes You! and all the insurgents on the trail.

by antiguacoffeehouse@yahoo.com

about 3 years ago

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Antigua Coffee is that special place in the community where different demographics from the community come together and meet. It has the unique charm where you came meet your local City Councilmember, local police officer, your mailman, and your neighbors by just getting a cup of coffee. People you normally don’t have the time to speak with you can, and it builds a true sense of belonging to the community. Yancey the store owner has made it a true community center where people feel at home and make the coffee house apart of their daily routine. Cypress Park is a struggling community, and the Tunnel Art Walk is an actual event that hopefully people will make part of their lives like the coffee shop is part of their daily routine. We all need to feel proud of the community we live in, and this is one more positive step in the right direction.

by rory.olsen

about 3 years ago

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This is what a grass roots economic and cultural development project looks like and it will do more for our boulevard than any of the high-handed efforts of past generations to "improve" the area with strip mall businesses, parking lots, and freeway style streets. This project gets right down to the street level and makes a positive difference.

by josefbrayali

about 3 years ago

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I've lived in Cypress Park all my life, since Antigua Coffee House opened its doors in late 2009, this community has changed. The owner is a local resident who took the risk of investing in the neighborhood and wow! has it paid off. They invest in quality and in the arts, you should see their art gallery shows, its crowded! I am casting my vote for Antigua Coffee, local business do the right thing.

by Xol

about 3 years ago

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Go Yancey!!!

by Viviana

about 3 years ago

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want* :)

by hellobucha

about 3 years ago

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